Some call it TOM, some affectionately refer to it as Aunt Flo, we’ve also heard it called shark week, punctuation time, Doom’s day, the red devil and even Satan. Seems like as women we do whatever possible to avoid calling it a period. We also do whatever possible to avoid talking about it, but when you miss a period or your period is longer than normal while on the HCG Diet, silly names aside, you want to know what the deal is. Not to worry, ladies. This blog is meant to clear up any confusion about menstrual cycle irregularities on the HCG Diet.
Is it normal for my period to come earlier and last longer while on the HCG Diet?
Yes. This is very common. It’s not anything to worry about, this is just a sign that your body is responding to a change in your diet, weight loss, and the HCG formula.
Fat produces estrogen, so as your body starts to lose fat your estrogen levels change. Your period usually starts when your estrogen levels are at their lowest. This can be one reason you start earlier and experience longer periods.
How long will my period last while on HCG?
HCG can extend the length of your period. By how much, it’s hard to say. It varies person to person. It’s a total inconvenience, but try to ride it out. Like we said, this means your body is responding to the formula.
My cramps seem worse than they usually are, is that normal?
We have seen a lot of women report cramps being a little more intense while on the diet. There’s not much you can do to prevent this. Grab a heating pad, drink some water, and hang in there. Make sure you aren’t drinking any caffeine during your menstrual cycle. Caffeine acts as a stimulant which triggers your uterus to contract more (which is the cause of cramps in the first place).
Will HCG affect my birth control?
Doing the HCG diet will not counteract contraceptives (it won’t cancel it out your birth control and make you get pregnant). However, if you are on birth control to treat severe cramps or acne, the HCG Diet can alter with it’s effectiveness in treating those symptoms.
Is it normal to gain weight on my period?
This is totally normal. Your body retains a lot of water while you’re menstruating. This means you can see gains as much as 6 pounds during your menstrual cycle but this is a temporary gain and it’s just water. Cut salt out of your diet to minimize the water retention, but most of all don’t freak out! Seeing some weight gain when you’ve been sticking to protocol can be incredibly discouraging, but it’s only temporary. That water weight normally comes off the day after your cycle ends.
There you have it ladies. HCG can affect your period, and while it’s a bit annoying, it’s nothing to be too concerned about. Wait it out and Aunt Flo will be leaving town before you know it!
Over the next few weeks, we will posting blogs to address frequently asked questions about the HCG Diet. Remember to keep checking back for some amazing information that will really help you out during your HCG journey.
